Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jess Nolan has released “Sweet Like a Peach,” the latest from her forthcoming LP, ‘93, out on September 8th via Ani DiFranco’s label, Righteous Babe Records. Dreamy and wistful, the track is an ode to the thrill of infatuation. Mimicking the feeling of fresh love and the high of falling for someone new, Nolan is in a sea of gentle touch in the “Sweet Like A Peach” music video directed by Lindsey Patkos. Dancers from the Garage Collective pleasantly encircle Nolan as she sings, “Sweet like a peach/ dripping in poison/ we are in danger/ but I like it,” running their fingers through her hair and layering their hands on her skin. Eyes closed and swaying gently, Nolan lifts her voice as the song layers around listeners like a hug.
“At its core, this song is a compassionate look at the self-indulgence of falling for a stranger,” Nolan explains. “I was chewing on this idea of attraction as a drug. When we connect with someone quickly, it can feel euphoric - we also run the risk of leaving the present and building up a story about who the person is based on assumptions.”
“Sweet Like A Peach” follows the release of “Clockwork,” where Nolan sings about gaining perspective and self-awareness with age, and “Windowpanes,” a song about empathy as a window for understanding, featuring background vocals from Katie Pruitt and Kyshona.
LISTEN: “EMERGENCY LANDING”
WATCH: “EMERGENCY LANDING” (acoustic)
LISTEN: “CLOCKWORK”
Nolan is an old soul and a skilled creator who continuously channels a palate of creative endeavors. A member of Jenny Lewis’ all-female touring band, she is an in-demand collaborator, lending her writing, vocal, and instrumentalist talents to projects by artists like Joy Oladokun, Katie Pruitt, Lydia Luce, and more.
The seeds of her new LP, ’93, sprouted in the height of 2020. In the midst of the initial involuntary stillness, she planted a backyard vegetable garden, moved her involvement in mentoring young female songwriters online, and traveled back to her New Jersey hometown to stay with family for weeks at a time. In the face of uncertainty, strong, deeply rooted feelings came pouring out, resulting in 10 poignant reflections on rebirth, reconnection, and mindfulness.
With an intention for listeners to feel grounded from its first moment, ‘93 is meant to be a meditation, bringing a sense of rootedness in its execution. “The process of recording this was relaxed,” Nolan recalls. “It’s the safest I’ve ever felt while creating something.”
“Writing this album was a declaration that I will not give up on myself,” she continues. “Only from that place can I fully show up for those around me. I have so much gratitude for this process of making songs and sharing them. It mimics the natural cycle of things… life, death, life. I see this record as a true reimagining of myself musically and personally. My hope is that it can provide love and comfort to those who need it.”
Nolan will celebrate the release of ‘93 with an -in-store performance and record-signing at Grimey’s on August 31st (click HERE for information), and on September 8th, she will host a night of music, art, and dance at East Nashville art gallery, Soft Junk. Nolan will perform a full band set, with acoustic opening sets by Crystal Rose and Angela Autumn, improv dance by Garage Collective, plus original art by Jess Nolan, Kristen Carrara, Grouch Bucket, Josie Dunne, and Andrew Combs. Beginning September 28th, Nolan will provide opening support for singer-songwriter Bre Kennedy, a full list of dates is below. Click HERE to pre-save/pre-order ‘93, and be sure to follow Jess Nolan for all the latest news and updates.
TOUR DATES
8/31 - Grimey’s In-Store Performance - Nashville, TN
9/8 -Album Release & Art Show @ Soft Junk - Nashville, TN
9/28 - Eddie's Attic - Decatur, GA*
9/30 - Different Wrld - Asheville, NC*
10/2 - DC9 - Washington, DC*
10/4 - The Funhouse - Millvale, PA*
10/14 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY*
*w/ Bre Kennedy
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